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Stoke City defender Ashley Williams has received a “magnificent” boost ahead of this weekend’s key Championship clash with Birmingham City.

The 34-year-old centre-half has struggled to find his best form for both club and country in recent weeks, but Wales manager Ryan Giggs praised Williams after his side’s 1-0 Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland last night.

The loan man from Premier League Everton put in an imperious display to help steer a young Welsh side to victory in Dublin.

And a delighted Giggs declared: “Outstanding, man of the match by a million miles.

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“I wasn't happy with the first-half performance - but he was the only one really who showed the things I was looking for, winning challenges. Ashley was just magnificent, a real captain’s performance.”

Williams, who made his 82nd appearance for his country last night, was one of several Wales players criticised during a 4-1 friendly defeat by Spain last week. He was withdrawn at half-time by Giggs with his side already three goals down.

However, the Wales captain was much improved in Dublin, with Giggs adding: “I get asked all the time about the younger players coming in but the older, experienced players are just as important, and Ashley showed that tonight.”

'James McClean is sometimes not right in the head, but he's brilliant for us'

Stoke City winger James McClean was a member of the Republic of Ireland team beaten by Wales last night.

And before the game, played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, he was the subject of some rather unusual praise by Ireland boss Martin O'Neill.

He said: "Most players want to play for their country to be fair, but this group of players, certainly in my time here have shown an incredible willingness, and none more so than James McClean.

"He broke his wrist in training the day before we played Wales last month and he was actually looking for an injection to see if he could play in the game with a broken wrist.

"James, is obviously sometimes not right in the head, but he's brilliant for us, he's absolutely brilliant for us. He epitomises everything about what this side has been over the last number of years."

Gary Rowett will be hoping Williams carries his improved form into Saturday’s Championship clash with Birmingham City at the bet365 Stadium.

Stoke are showing signs of improvement after a difficult start to life back in the Championship, having recorded back-to-back wins over Bolton and Norwich without conceding a goal, and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four games.

Williams struggled early on after arriving from Everton, but has looked steadier by the game since being called up to replace struggling skipper Ryan Shawcross last month.